KPMG, an auditing firm with offices in New Jersey, has agreed to a six-figure settlement to resolve a discrimination lawsuit filed by more than 60 job applicants. The firm was accused of racial discrimination when it prevented the Asian applicants from working at the firm’s Short Hills office.
Under federal law, it is illegal for companies with government contracts to discriminate against workers on the basis of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or country of origin. KPMG works closely with government agencies such as NASA and the IRS. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance launched an investigation into the company, finding instances in 2011 through 2013 that raised suspicion.
Allegations against KPMG were significant enough for the Office to bring them before a judge, who ruled in favor of the applicants. The case culminated in a $420,000 settlement. KPMG will also be required to improve hiring practices and behaviors. Six of the plaintiffs also have the opportunity to apply for a new job with the firm.
Previous Allegations of Discrimination Against KPMG
This is not the first time KPMG has faced legal action due to discriminatory practices. A class-action lawsuit has also been filed against the company for discriminatory practices against women. The suit was filed in 2011 by a senior manager who claimed she was a denied a promotion due to complaints from her male colleagues. After the woman spoke out, other women began to come forward.
The complaint consists of women in managerial positions who allege the company’s hiring and promotion practices are discriminatory against women. The suit is projected to be worth over $400 million if it goes to court. Since the suit was filed, over 10,000 women have joined the complaint.
The KPMG cases are proof that discrimination is never one-sided. If it occurs at the hiring level, it will also impact current employees. These cases are also proof that discrimination can happen to any group regardless of their competency. Applicants who are well-qualified and have proved their value may still get overlooked when discriminatory hiring practices are at play.
Recognizing Discrimination in the Workplace
Unfortunately, workplace discrimination occurs every day at public and private companies, despite efforts by the federal government to prevent these situations. As an employee, navigating the workplace can be tricky. Many people have a hard time recognizing microaggressions from coworkers and managers. Employees may fear they are being too sensitive when something a coworker says bothers them. However, there is a difference between innocent humor and that which creates a hostile work environment.
Philadelphia Race Discrimination Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Help Victims of Discrimination Seek Justice
For more than 30 years, the Philadelphia employment law firm of The Gold Law Firm P.C. has been dedicated to helping victims of all types of discrimination. Call us at 215-569-1999 or contact us online for a free consultation with one of our seasoned Philadelphia race discrimination lawyers.
